Fujifilm updates fashion-forward Z and budget-conscious J models

In their round of pre-PMA announcements, Fujifilm has unveiled the FinePix J20, FinePix J250, and Z30 FinePix ultracompact cameras. The J series cameras update the sleek and slim J10 and J150 budget-friendly compacts. The FinePix Z30, successor to the Z20, stands apart with a loud, statement-making design. With its “Face It, Blog It, Roll It” modes, Fujifilm has aimed this camera squarely at the younger generation of point-and-shoot users.

Each of these models will feature a new automatic scene recognition shooting mode. The system automatically recognizes six types of scenes and adjusts focus, white balance, ISO, and exposure to optimal settings for each scene. It’s designed to streamline the shooting process for a casual photographer.

All three models will debut with prices under $200.

J20 and J250 expand options in budget-friendly J seriesMore megapixels seems to be the name of the game, and Fujifilm has stepped up the resolution on the J20, giving the J20 and J250 10.0 megapixel sensors each.

Outside of that, the J20’s 3x optical zoom and 2.7 inch LCD are consistent with the previous model. The J250 offers a 5x optical zoom and a larger 3.0 inch LCD for a little extra cash.

Both cameras will feature face detection technology and will be able to track up to six faces in a frame. Additionally, both models will offer some kind of image stabilization technology. The J250 will offer dual image stabilization while the J20 will feature picture stabilization.

A couple of other features that the J20 and J250 will share:

Low light shooting up to ISO 1600 at full resolution

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Pre-programmed scene modes

Z30 offers Fuji’s latest take on cost-conscious fashion cameraThe Z30 shares many features with the J20, but in a very different package.

Available in attention-demanding orange, pink, and black, it’s geared for use with social networking websites. The camera’s features include what Fujifilm calls “Face It, Blog It, Roll It,” describing face detection, blog shooting mode, and movie mode respectively.

Like the J series cameras, the Z30 will be equipped with face detection technology allowing the user to track six faces in one frame. Blog mode automatically formats photos into blog-friendly sizes. The features list is rounded out with successive movie mode, allowing users to capture 60 second movie clips.

The Z30 will also include a “Natural Light& with Flash” mode. Using this setting, two images will be recorded in succession with each shutter release- one with flash and one without. Both pictures are saved so that the user can choose the best one.